Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Clock Runs Out on Arena Football League

Owners can't reach agreement on new financial model

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 4, 2009 1:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – The Arena Football League, which canceled its 2009 season to work on its financial model, won’t be back, barring a big surprise. A team official says the league voted to indefinitely suspend operations, and a formal announcement should come soon, the Columbus Dispatch reports. Owners couldn’t agree on a restructuring plan—a decision that required 75% agreement among ownership groups.

The league appeared vibrant just last year, but the troubled economy highlighted its financial problems, leading to the season cancellation. “If we were in better economic times, the votes would have been different,” said Jim Renacci of the Columbus Destroyers.

In this 2008 file photo, Jim Foster, left, founder of the Arena Football League, holds a trophy with Jon Bon Jovi, a majority owner of the Philadelphia Soul, after the ArenaBowl XXII.
In this 2008 file photo, Jim Foster, left, founder of the Arena Football League, holds a trophy with Jon Bon Jovi, a majority owner of the Philadelphia Soul, after the ArenaBowl XXII.   (AP Photo)
This 2007 file photo shows Jim Renacci, owner of the Columbus Destroyers.
This 2007 file photo shows Jim Renacci, owner of the Columbus Destroyers.   (AP Photo)
San Jose SaberCats' Trestin George runs for a touchdown as he is chased by Columbus Destroyers' Josh Bush during the 2007 Arena Bowl.
San Jose SaberCats' Trestin George runs for a touchdown as he is chased by Columbus Destroyers' Josh Bush during the 2007 Arena Bowl.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Mad
Aug 4, 2009 10:16 AM CDT
BS, the NFL wants Vick back, and that's where he'll make millions
Timinator2K
Aug 4, 2009 8:34 AM CDT
Poor conVICK, he was counting on the AFL for his new millions.
Netstorm2k10
Aug 4, 2009 6:20 AM CDT
Who cares.

More Newser Stories

Did Bankers Go to Jail for Causing Great Depression?

'Recovery' Looking Like 10-Year Recession

Advertisers: Take a Cue From Ketel One

Recession Soon Over, but Here Comes Another

Lousy Retail Sales Will Delay Recovery


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne